St. Regis Bora Bora Review

Bora Bora — an island within the South Pacific recognized for its turquoise water, luxurious lodges and spectacular Mount Otemanu — is a dream trip vacation spot for a lot of.

As a result of I’ve visited French Polynesia a number of instances earlier than, I’ve already skilled many issues vacationers may hunt down on their first and even second go to — actions comparable to swimming with manta rays and sharks, sundown cruises and watercrafting across the island. However as an alternative, on this journey, once I wasn’t working remotely, I centered solely on relaxation and rest.

On a earlier journey, I had already pushed a water scooter previous The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. From that have and taking a look at footage on-line, I knew the resort’s property featured a distinguished view of Mount Otemanu. 

I used to be already mentally ready to have a view of Mount Otemanu all through my journey. Nonetheless, I can not overstate how superb it was to see the mountain daily. This starkly contrasts the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, which solely has views of Mount Otemanu from a couple of choose villas and the resort’s spa. 

My one remorse with my room is that I did not splurge on a villa with a Mount Otemanu view, which might have considerably enhanced my expertise.

Along with that includes beautiful views, the resort grounds featured lush, tropical landscaping and a motorbike path good for making your means across the resort. All rooms include two bikes — every along with your villa quantity. After all, in the event you choose to not bike, you’ll be able to at all times name the butler service and organize a journey.  

My favourite areas of the property and the place I spent most of my time have been:

I have been lucky to remain in a number of overwater villas all through French Polynesia and the Maldives. Nonetheless, I used to be totally greatly surprised by the scale of my villa at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. 

I stayed in an Overwater Deluxe Villa. Although it is one of many smaller villas on the resort, it measures a powerful 1,549 sq. ft and features a front room, bed room, outside terrace with a lounge space, and a big toilet with a jetted bathtub. 

One thing I particularly cherished concerning the villa is that every room incorporates a gap within the ground with a transparent glass overlaying so you’ll be able to see the water beneath. Being in such a big villa, you’ll be able to typically overlook that you just’re standing above the ocean — so having the ability to see the water beneath every room was a pleasant reminder.

The mattress was very snug; there was loads of sizzling water and the Wi-Fi labored with out a hitch for Zoom conferences and streaming motion pictures. I additionally appreciated that the outside terrace had chairs you would sunbathe in and a lined space to benefit from the view within the shade.

All friends at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort are assigned a butler, who you’ll be able to attain all through your keep by dialing “9” (both from the telephone in your room or telephones all through the property). 

With this service, you’ll be able to name your butler every morning they usually’ll arrive about 20 minutes later along with your favourite espresso prepared so that you can take pleasure in in your room or in your terrace. I can not stress sufficient how a lot I cherished getting morning iced espresso delivered. As an avid espresso drinker, it was one of many highlights of my day.

Other than morning espresso, your butler can help you in making dinner reservations, reserving actions, and attending to minor requests, comparable to finding a substitute bike if one other visitor unintentionally takes yours. 

Our butler went out of her means to assist when wanted. For example, I could not get a dinner reservation earlier than 8 p.m. one night time once I tried to e-book immediately with the restaurant. So I requested my butler for help, and he or she referred to as the restaurant immediately and confirmed a reservation on the requested time.

Talking of meals, I loved each dish — particularly the breakfast buffet, the cheeseburger and fries and the set menu on the weekly Polynesian dinner (which comes with conventional dancing and music). My two favourite spots have been Far Niente, an informal Italian restaurant with scrumptious pizza, and 727 Bar, which seems straight at Mount Otemanu and options complimentary champagne sabering most nights at sundown. 

A considerate contact is that every one eating places on the property embody costs in Central Pacific francs, the native forex, and an approximation of the fee in U.S. {dollars}, so that you need not do the mathematics earlier than ordering a dish or drink.

I stayed at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort in December 2022, on the peak of French Polynesia’s wet season, which usually goes from November by April. My first go to to French Polynesia was in January 2019, and through a five-night keep, it solely rained for about quarter-hour complete. So I used to be hopeful that this journey could be comparable and that I might be capable of take pleasure in nice climate for almost all of my keep.

Sadly, the climate was not as cooperative on this journey. It rained virtually daily, and whereas there have been not less than a couple of hours of sunshine most days, there have been two days it rained so exhausting I did not depart the villa. 

When you have the flexibleness in your journey’s timing, I like to recommend reserving through the dry season from Could by October. 

One thing else to contemplate when timing your go to is in the event you’ll be there throughout a brand new moon. As a result of Bora Bora has minimal gentle air pollution, it is an awesome location for stargazing, which is even higher in the event you go to throughout a brand new moon.

From the beautiful views of Mount Otemanu and the strikingly massive villa to the personalised butler service and scrumptious meals, I very a lot loved my keep on the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. If I am fortunate sufficient to go to once more, I will e-book through the dry season and pay a bit additional to safe a villa with a view of Mount Otemanu.

(High photograph courtesy of Josh Garber)